More mining jobs, more permanent roles

The mining, resources and energy sector is leading the pack for job ads growth, according to SEEK’s latest employment report.

Its data also shows a rise in the number of permanent positions on offer compared to contract roles.

The recruitment business said mining, resources and energy job ads grew by 34 per cent last month compared to May of last year.

Job ads in general grew by 10.7 per cent over the same period.

Government and Defence job ads grew by 29 per cent in the 12-month period, while community service and development job ads increased by 26 per cent.

SEEK said the 34 per cent increase in mining, resources and energy job ads built on an increase in job ads in that sector since 2016, when the industry began to recover after four years of decline.

Mining is the third largest contributor to the Australian economy, behind services and construction and employs about 226,500 people, according to ABS trend data.

During the mining downturn between 2012 and 2016, alongside the loss of 55,000 jobs, there was a reluctance to hire permanent staff in the mining sector, however SEEK data shows that this trend is reversing.

Since mid-2016, the number of permanent job ads SEEK recorded in the sector compared to contract positions has been increasing, suggesting renewed confidence in the sector.